Barney's Blog

Verizon's Creepy New Plan

These days it seems that every computer vendor, service provider and Web site spies on us. Verizon apparently doesn't want to be left out of this little party. Recently it disclosed a new policy where it harvests data from wireless customers and then uses it to sell targeted ads.

If you use Verizon like I do, what programs you use and the sites you frequent are all for sale.

This is not an opt-in deal. Rather, you have to tell Verizon you don't want your every move tracked. The good news is the data sold is not directly connected to individuals.

Still, the opt-out policy bugs me. And with more and more of our phones tracking our locations, it is a bit of a privacy double whammy.

The real rub? The notice begins with the following: "Your privacy is an important priority at Verizon Wireless."

Am I being paranoid or is Verizon crossing the line? You tell me at dbarney@redmondmag.com.